October 17, 2024

Newly Painted Mural Attracting

Attention in Dana Point

Noche, a visiting artist from Ensenada, painted a mural honoring native species and ecosystems at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point

Noche, an artist and ocean advocate visiting from Mexico, recently completed a 1,080 square foot mural at Dana Point’s Ocean Institute. Titled “Our Ocean, Our Youth,” the colorful mural reflects the ocean’s ecosystem off Dana Point, including the many plants and animals that call the offshore area their home.

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In Memoriam

Martha McFarland (right) as Mrs. Fezziwig and John-David Keller (left) as Mr. Fezziwig in South Coast Repertory's "A Christmas Carol." Photo by Cris Gross/SCR.

South Coast Repertory is mourning the loss of Founding Member Martha McFarland, who passed away October 9. A deeply respected and cherished figure at SCR, McFarland appeared in 65 productions over five decades. She also appeared in 21 productions of "A Christmas Carol," where she played Mrs. Fezziwig for all 21, the Solicitor for 17 and a Scavenger twice, making her last SCR appearance in 2006. Some of her most memorable roles were as Meg in "The Hostage,” which was her first production in 1965, Joanne in 1977’s “Vanities" (1977), and Pope Joan and Louise in 1984’s "Top Girls.” She also took her versatile talents beyond the stage, serving as an early SCR office manager, casting director and Conservatory acting teacher. 

Top Ten Reasons to Support the Arts in 2024

Americans for the Arts has updated their annual list of the Top Ten Reasons to Support the Arts. These quick lists have supported, inspired and prompted advocacy across the nation for over a decade, and show why an investment in artists, creative workers and arts organizations is vital to the nation’s post-pandemic recovery.

Read more here.

Looking Back at Leo Fender’s Legacy

A picture of Leo Fender along with a 1954 Fender Stratocaster guitar at a Fullerton Museum Center exhibit.

Clarence Leo Fender, founder of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, would have celebrated his 115th birthday this year, which also marks the 70th anniversary of the company’s the iconic Stratocaster. Born in Anaheim in 1909, Fender operated a radio and amplification repair service in Fullerton, where he lived for most of his life. He also sold musical instruments and eventually began making guitars of his own, leading the formation of his company. The Fullerton Museum Center is home to the Leo Fender Gallery.

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We acknowledge with respect our presence on the ancestral lands of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians - Acjachemen Nation and the Tongva People.